29 Jun 2017

Government will, in the next cabinet meeting decide which public institution should be named in honour of the fallen hero, Sir Ketumile Masire.

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama revealed this at the late Sir Ketumile’s state funeral at Goo-Motebejana ward in Kanye on June 29.

He said he had already hinted the idea to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary general, Mr Botsalo Ntuane, who was also in attendance to bid the statesman adieu.

President Khama explained that the nation’s Honours policy stipulated that leaders who had contributed immensely to the development of the nation could only be honoured in that regard posthumously.

The funeral was attended by multitudes, among them long time friend and President of Zimbabwe, Mr Robert Mugabe and former president of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki.

Sir Ketumile was described as a humble and gentle giant, who walked with kings, but never lost the 'common touch.'

In his eulogy, President Khama described the late Sir Ketumile as a courageous pioneer and founder of the nation’s democratic journey at Independence.

He said it was crucial to mourn the passing of the late former senior statesman, but also look back with pride and celebrate his great achievements.

He said Sir Ketumile Masire and his late predecessor, Sir Seretse Khama played a pivotal role in the liberation struggles of the region.

President Khama said the fore bearers resisted pressures from colonial regimes in Angola and Mozambique to prevent freedom fighters from entering the country at the hour of desperate need.

He vowed that his administration would forever hold the principle of democracy dear as envisioned by the elders.

President Khama also paid tribute to Sir Ketumile’s late wife, Lady Olebile Masire, who died in 2013 and described her as a wonderful person, who touched the hearts of many and was a pillar of strength for the former president and the nation at large.

He also conveyed his condolences to the Masire family and thanked Batswana for their continued support and putting together a fitting send-off for the father of the nation.

President Khama, also former commander of the Botswana Defence Force, said his fondest memories were when he traversed the width and breadth of the country with Sir Ketumile as head of state and commander in chief of the BDF.

President Khama narrated one incident in the Okavango Delta when a horse threw President Masire off after a junior officer had asked him to ride.

He said he had tried, in vain, to persuade Sir Ketumile not to ride.

Many speakers also described Sir Ketumile as an inspiration, father figure, beacon of light for the African continent and messenger sent by God to deliver the nations dream.

They also viewed him as a distinguished man who rose like a sky scraper from humble beginnings and shot all the way right up to become the nation’s chief architect of democratic development through honest hard work.

Sir Ketumile was born in Kanye on July 23, 1925 as first born child to Mr Joni and Ms Gabaipone Masire.

He started school at Rachele Primary School in Kanye.

He was among the first local students to acquire a government bursary to further his studies at Tigerkloof Training Institute in South Africa.

However, in 1946 following the death of both his parents, he forfeited an opportunity to go to University, did a teachers’ certificate instead and came back home to take care of his younger siblings.

He became the first teacher and founding head teacher of the New Kanye Junior Secondary School in 1950.

The school was later transformed into Seepapitso Senior Secondary School of today.

He was also active in wider community affairs, served as secretary of Bangwaketse Teachers Association and chairperson of the Bangwaketse School Sports Association.

Sir Ketumile wedded his late wife Gladys Olebile Mogwera on January 2, 1958 and the couple was blessed with three girls and three boys.

He was approached later in 1961 by Sir Seretse Khama and others to play a leading role in organising what would later become BDP.

Sir Ketumile became the first Minister of Finance and Development Planning and Vice President and later President in 1980 after the death of Sir Seretse.

He is survived by four siblings, six children and twelve grandchildren. ENDS